Driving in Philippines

Foreign visitors may drive in Philippines with an International driving license and a valid original driver license from their domestic countries for 120 days. After that term a Philippine driver license is required; they may be obtained at the Land Transportation Commission office.Foreign visitor may operate a non-Philippine registered motor vehicles for 90 days of their sojourn.

The main Philippine road traffic rules:

Driving is on the right side and overtaking is on the left side of the road.

The minimum age for driving is 16 years.

The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.05%.

Wearing seat belts is mandatory.

At the intersections without Stop signs, drivers must yield to the vehicles on their right.

When entering a highway, drivers must yield the right-of-way to cars on the highway.

All vehicles must give the right-of-way to emergency vehicles sounding a siren.

It is not permitted to park:

- within 5 meters of the intersection;- within six meters of the intersection of curb lines;- in front of a private driveway;- within 4 meters of the driveway entrance;- within 4 meters of a fire hydrant; - at the curb or edge of the highway;- on a crosswalk.

Overtaking is prohibited at an intersection and railway grade crossing.

To use cell phone without a hands-free kit is not permitted while driving.

The maximum allowed speed for cars and motorcycles is 80 km/h (50 mph) on open country roads, 40 km/h (25 mph) on boulevards, 30 km/h (18 mph) on city and municipal streets, 20 km/h (12 mph) at school zones.

The speed limit for trucks is 50 km/h (31 mph) on open country roads, 30 km/h (18 mph) on boulevards, 30 km/h (18 mph) on city and municipal streets, 20 km/h (12 mph) at school zones.

Drivers may not drive or park a motor vehicle upon or along sidewalks, paths or alleys not intended for traffic or parking.

The police phone number is 911.

Solid yellow lines indicate lanes for using exiting and public utility vehicles. Solid white lines mean that the overtaking is prohibited. Dashed white lines mean that overtaking is allowed.